Devine Scripture

John 11:28

What does John 11:28 mean?

A plain-English look at John 11:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 11:28 means

After her confession, Martha quietly calls Mary, telling her, “The Teacher is here, and calleth thee.” She honors Jesus as Teacher, reflecting their discipleship relationship, and carries His personal summons to her sister. The secrecy may be to give Mary a private moment with Jesus amid many mourners. The verse shows Jesus’ attentiveness to Mary’s grief and His desire to meet her where she is. Martha, now strengthened by faith, becomes a messenger drawing Mary into the encounter that will soon gather the crowd to witness what Jesus will do.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Teacher is here, and calleth thee.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when she had so said, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Master is come, and calleth for thee.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when she had said this, she went away, and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, The Teacher is here, and calleth thee.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And having said this, she went away and said secretly to her sister Mary, The Master is here and has sent for you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And these things having said, she went away, and called Mary her sister privately, saying, `The Teacher is present, and doth call thee;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when she had said these things, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying: The master is come and calleth for thee.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having said this, she went away and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, The teacher is come and calls thee.

Context

With theology settled, the narrative turns to Mary. Martha goes from confessor to messenger, relaying Jesus’ call. The next verses will depict Mary’s quick response and the unintended effect of drawing the consolers along, who think she is going to the tomb. This movement brings the witnesses to Jesus rather than to the grave, setting the stage for a public display of compassion and power. The scene is transitioning from private conversation to communal experience.

v.27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I have believed that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, even he that cometh into the world.

v.28This passage

v.29And she, when she heard it, arose quickly, and went unto him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17

    then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

  • Zechariah 3:10

    In that day, saith Jehovah of hosts, shall ye invite every man his neighbor under the vine and under the fig-tree.

  • Luke 22:11

    And ye shall say unto the master of the house, The Teacher saith unto thee, Where is the guest-chamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?

  • John 1:41

    He findeth first his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messiah (which is, being interpreted, Christ).

  • John 10:3

    To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

  • John 11:20

    Martha therefore, when she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary still sat in the house.

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